Forum Topic

Hosts needed for Refugees At Homein Acton

It's ages since I asked for more hosts and we now have several hosts in Acton and lots in West London.Acton is very popular among Syrian refugees as there is a community here already. My guest is about to move on as he has now had a job with a local restaurant for a while and can afford to pay rent. He said:"When I came to London, I spoke no English, I had no money, no friends and no job. Now I speak English, I have money in the bank, I have friends and I have a job. And it's all thanks to you and your husband"I nearly wept. That transition is what Refugees At Home is all about.Could you host? If so, DM me or go to www.refugeesathome.org where there is a host button where you can apply.It's a good thing to do and it's not hard and is very interesting.

Sara Nathan ● 3177d17 Comments

We had a really nice lunch yesterday for most of the Syrian guests hosted in Acton - and all of their hosts.It's great when people can offer each other support and experience.If anyone in this patch thinks they might like to provide a spare room for a destitute refugee, we have a hub of existing West London hosts gathering for tea on November 4th. (I don't think all of the 45 on our books will come!)DM or post here and I could send you the details of where and when.

Sara Nathan ● 3110d

How wonderful... but then the Canadians generally seem to be on the side of the angels.there has been a huge increase in Syrian pop-ups, catering and restaurants in London. One of our guests runs the Aleppo Supper Club which does AMAZING food.In fact Syrians say all the best middle-eastern food comes from Aleppo and the whole of Lebanese etc cuisine is just a pale imitation. I would be happy to do more (practical) research....

Sara Nathan ● 3133d

Hi Sara thought you would like to know we are welcoming lots of Syrians here in Toronto. A friend who owns a small restaurant/food business has given them one night a week and Sunday brunch to cook syrian food for us and make some much needed cash...delicious way to help...

Sandy Stagg ● 3134d

There are many refugees, Syrian and others, who are here now, fleeing war and oppression.If by offering them hosting, English and integration, we can enable them to have positive lives while they are here, it does a whole lot more for cohesion, empathy, understanding and society's safety than rejecting and demonising.We signed the lease for my guest to move into a rented flat this morning. He works so hard to build a new life while learning English, that he will surely succeed and be a real asset to Acton (which he adores) and the UK. We will miss him.  By the way - if you want to know more about refugees in Ealing and how you can help, I am speaking to the Chiswick Fabians tonight at 2000 in Chiswick Old Town Hall. I don't suppose they would mind if some non-Fabians came. ( I didn't even know there were Chiswick Fabians - but not surprising I suppose)

Sara Nathan ● 3136d

I fully agree Natalie,this is not the time,the war in siria is about over,our job is done,regards John.

Dr John Stolworthy D.Sc ● 3137d

"ISIS/HAMMAS TERRORISM" (revealing)YouTube 'Miko Peled'(lectures) he too is vey 'revealing' and has a solution to this tragic situation, which is affecting us all. Is it time we solved the problem, however honourable it is, to help these refugee's?Is Miko Peled spreading 'fake news'? Judge for yourselves.

Peter Savick ● 3144d

I'm not going to rush to judgment before we know very much more. Just in the way I wouldn't blame all men because all terrorists in recent years in the UK have been male.Overall refugees are incredibly law-abiding and no UK terrorist events in the last decade - if not longer - have been perpetrated by refugees.So I am more than happy to have a Syrian refugee living with me. He is a lovely, hard-working, responsible man who has suffered more than you can imagine from ISIS/HAMAS terrorism and violence in his home town. And from air attacks by all sorts. I cannot imagine anyone less likely to be involved in any violence, let alone a terrorist attack.Even if these two suspects are convicted, would that make you say all Syrians, all Afghani, all Iraqi refugees are terrorists? Of course it wouldn't.  The people I feel sorry for (apart from the direct victims on the train of course) are the foster-carer couple. They have fostered over 300 kids. I bet a fair number of those have gone wrong and been in trouble with the law during or after leaving their care. The prognosis for any looked-after kids isn't good. But only in this case do their actions and motives get scrutinised.Why don't we wait for rather more information before making sweeping generalisations?

Sara Nathan ● 3144d

It makes life very difficult for the genuine ones who need accommodation, and yes some of them are brainwashed, cannot blame the media for everything.

Janice Evans ● 3144d

Probably not the best time to be looking for hosts for Syrian refugees.

Natalie Mcdermott ● 3144d

" brainwash" papers?  That's not at all a cynical comment is it?  Essentially calling millions of Britons brainwashed because they chose to read a newspaper that doesn't align with your view of the world.I'd say a better definition of "brainwash" is a man who attempts to blow up innocent people because of his twisted ideological beliefs.

Richard Foster ● 3144d

What a cynical response! One bad egg does not mean that all refugees are terrorists even though certain brainwash papers are having a field day, no doubt.In addition, very little has been confirmed yet. The 18-year-old arrested on suspicion of being the bomber apparently is not Syrian while the 21-year-old is just another suspect who has been arrested right now. Please stop spreading fake news.

Urs Esser ● 3145d

'London Bucket Bomber' is Syrian refugee, 21, who was welcomed into Britain by elderly foster parents.Who's in your house?

Peter Savick ● 3145d

Agree totally for the genuine cases, we always have and always will.

Janice Evans ● 3171d

True, Janice, but in the meantime, those of us who are relatively safe and secure can help those who aren't

Sara Nathan ● 3171d

The world is a crazy place and wonder if anyone will be safe anywhere eventually.

Janice Evans ● 3175d

Our guest was bombed several times in his home town of Sariquip near Idlip, not far from Aleppo. He saw two friends killed, his business destroyed and was seriously injured in another air-strike. He still has shrapnel in his leg.He said he decided had to leave when he looked up and saw 18 planes and helicopters - all with pay-loads - flying overhead.When he first arrived with us, he still jumped at every back-firing motorbike. However, he seems much better now and fairly settled.

Sara Nathan ● 3175d

'The UK has conducted more than 1,200 airstrikes in Iraq and Syria since it became involved - more than any other coalition country bar the United States'.I wonder if they nearly weeping, under those bombs?

Peter Savick ● 3175d